Brian McCormack has pioneered a disposable device which presents a quick, clean, and dignified way to take samples for bowel cancer ­testing.

Now his business is branching out by testing other potential products such as completely soluble cotton buds, wound dressings and baby wipes, in a bid to reduce the millions of household products routinely disposed of in toilets. The latest developments could not be more timely, with the ­Scottish Government currently seeking views on its plan to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds.

Brian’s idea was to create the FlushAway, a patented device designed to be used once before being disposed off. Being fully ­dissolvable, there’s no threat to the environment.

It’s made from a type of paper ­previously used by submariners to carry secret orders. If their boat sank, the water would destroy the documents before they could be recovered by enemy forces.

He said, “With early detection, nine out of ten lives can be saved but, with present screening programmes, detection rates are determined by the low return rates.

“We identified that the main ­reason for these low returns is the non-existent method of stool ­sample collection, so we then embarked upon the development of a stool collection device.

“The resultant product is a totally unique device, the safety and ­convenience of which will immediately raise return rates and reduce hospital infections. Used in hospitals, or sold for home use, this stool collection method will greatly reduce the risk of cross contamination and resultant infections.”